Moonraking Red

Thanks, Steve. Fingers-crossed!

I have been asked to help dispose of the model railway element of a late friend’s estate. The layout has been dismantled, so I have a load of boxes. I have absolutely no working knowledge of DCC systems. My problem is 9 x DCC locomotives (mixture of Bachmann and Hornby - some sound-fitted). I have not found any details of loco addresses. I need to test the locos before offering them for sale. The controller is a Roco Z21 Start ref. 18825-MMS. The test track is a length of Peco Streamline. My first move was to connect the Z21 and use the MultiMaus handset. Got a blue indicator light on the Z21. Two locos to test - Bachmann Jinty (factory fitted sound), Class 40 (sound fitted by Hattons). Tried both on DC. The Jinty moved ok with chuffing sound, Class 40 dead as a dodo. On DCC, where to start? Attached my two wires. Tried to use various addresses, but no success. Struggling to understand the instruction manual for the handset. Need an idiot’s step-by-step guide or point me at a blog, or YouTube please.

Thanks, RAF96, for the info.

Every attempt to edit a track pack plan results in a blank screen and the following

I was attempting to plan out my layout to confirm the number of track modules I would need.

iPad 6th gen. running iPadOS 13

Tried the layout design part of the app, but failed miserably. Seems to have a bug when resizing.

I’m sure I saw woody bits the last time Toy Story was on the telly

Thanks for the confirmation.

Thanks, both, for the advice. Where’s that multimeter gone?

I have a stand-alone Orbit Supertroller (twin), a bit long in the tooth but still works well. My query relates to wiring a continuous layout, twin track with various loops, etc. Can this controller be wired using common return method? From my background reading, I think the C terminals pictured for 12v are common to both control knobs so a short will occur. But what do I know! Not comfortable with anything electrical, so any advice greatly appreciated.

In case anyone suggests this is in the wrong forum, I have no idea how to transfer my post to Electrics (non-DCC).

Many years later..... I have a stand-alone Supertroller that still seems work well. I am about to wire up a new layout which will incorporate two continuous circuits independently controlled. Looking at the connections on the back, I do not think I can use common return wiring method. I assume the “C” terminal is common to both controllers, and so would cause a short. Can anyone on rmweb confirm this please?

Spotted my mistake, Flying Pig. Chimer, I think you are right bout the platform location. Cheers both.

Just like to start by saying thank you to all who have taken their time to give some thoughtful responses, and encouraged some re-planning. This is one of those projects that uses stuff hanging about in the store cupboard or recycled. I should have noted this is 00, and geared for 'playability' for my grandson, and not prototypical really. The operation 'must-haves' include to be able to run one train continuously, whilst the station area can be operated separately. There is a small Atlas turntable that needs to be incorporated, which I am going to try and semi-bury in the celotex of one of end boards and cobble an old Airfix kit on top. The board is 2340 x 1220, 2 x celotex plus Ikea Bonde shelves at 385 and 190 widths. Having set out most of the track on the boards, I agree my original plan is a very tight fit, and probably too ambitious. With that in mind, and within my very limited Anyrail knowledge - two hours and the limitations of the trial version - I present a modified design, basically removing one of the circuits. I have based the curves on Setrack R2 and R3, and using some Streamline where transition curves are needed. The turnouts are all Streamline. Straight joints at each baseboard join to make the layout moveable in the future. The edges will have a ply backscene all round as the layout will be viewed from the operating well. I might add a fiddle yard off the outer circuit on an extension at bottom left. On the opposite side the board is lower than datum to allow for a bridge and embankment. Anyways, I am off to think about the electrics and see if I can mark up the Anyrail file. And identify the live frogs from the dead ones!

Decided it is time for another layout for my grandson. The main requirements are a two track mainline, with a Great Central style single platform station on an inner loop. All within a maximum 8ft x 4ft footprint with a central access well. Making use of materials already in hand, the baseboards are recycled with the addition of some IKEA shelving. Trackwork will be a mix of Peco Streamline and Setrack, Insulfrog and live frog. The design is a compromise, which brings me to the main stumbling point - the layout is DC analogue, but I have no idea how to wire it up! Where to locate power feed or isolating breaks. As a complete novice I tried Anyrail (trial version) which helps explain my crude attachment. In anticipation of help from any “RmWebbers” Poulshot3.pdf

Just like Col. Tom, do not worry about stopping at 1,000. Keep going! I'm sure 10,000 should be the figure. Well done, Hornby